2012 Boulder County's best workouts

Instructor Annette Bray runs back down the trail to encourage the group to catch up at Chautauqua Park Fitness in the Foothills.
(
CLIFF GRASSMICK
)

The "fittest city in America" is not short of high quality fitness teachers and classes.

I've tried and reviewed hundreds of classes over the past five years, since we launched the "workout of the week" feature. It amazes me that Boulder's fitness gurus still continue to surprise and challenge me in new ways. I've never covered the same class twice, because our creative, local experts remain at the forefront of fitness trends and research. They're constantly inventing new programs and fresh ways to keep the community active.

The truth is, I rarely take a class that disappoints. I recommend trying out nearly every class I write about, for different reasons. Incorporating different movements into your life keeps your body -- and mind -- growing stronger.

Yet at the end of every year, an elite few classes rise above the rest.

This is a fast-paced, circuit-style class designed to increase muscular and cardio strength. Every class is different and always unpredictable. The key to this class is the instructor. She's superhumanly energetic, hilarious and has a degree in psychology, which she says she uses in this job more than her fitness certification. Verbeck pushed everyone in the class, leaving me in awe of what I was able to accomplish.

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As she puts it, "Women don't realize how much they can actually do. You can do so much."

Most challenging: Outdoors

Fitness in the Foothills,with Annette Bray and David Clair,at various trails throughout Boulder County (fitliv.com).

This is a moving, boot camp-style class held on Boulder's open space trails. Although it is extremely challenging (one of my rare 10s on a 10-point scale), this class takes everything that makes Boulder so beautiful and uses it to build your strength and endurance. And if I have to be pushing myself to my max, I'd rather be on Chautauqua Trail surrounded by trees and flowers than anywhere else.

This is the hardest class I've ever done that I would actually do regularly. The interval format makes this class realistic for a wide variety of fitness levels.

This fantasy-based gathering is free, open to anyone and a total blast.

Dagorhir is full-contact, live-action combat where participants fight each other with foam weapons (swords, bows and arrows, shields). The events can last several hours, spanning a variety of different games and fantasy scenarios (like running from zombies). From a fitness perspective, swinging the weapons strengthens your upper body, while improving speed, agility and reaction time. You will sweat. You will run a lot. But you will smile the whole time. Did I mention costumes are encouraged -- and provided?

Yes, even if you're not 50-plus. Although the class is designed to address strains and physical concerns common with this age group, all ages can enjoy the mindful, alignment-based atmosphere and slightly slower pace. I felt like this class got much deeper in my body than many other yoga classes. Best of all, a drop-in here is just $10.

This takes burlesque to a new level. Star specializes in fusing pole dancing and burlesque, with a modern striptease edge -- so her classes are endlessly amusing. Beyond bruised knees (don't judge), sore shoulders and thighs and challenged coordination and balance, this class struck a deep emotional chord with me. We openly confronted body image issues, and we talked unapologetically about sex. We studied nuance, the history of burlesque and learned how to very intentionally and consciously tap in to our individual expression, sensuality and personality -- which are all part of being a good dancer and performer. This is a great way to get moving, with a dose of self-exploration.

And if you need more private instruction, or entertainment, Star also performs at bachelor/bachelorette parties and private parties.

Yes, Callanetics from the '80s is back -- or still around. This class is like a cross between Pilates, yoga and ballet-influenced toning, using isolations, muscle contractions and small ranges of motion to strengthen muscles deeply. Set to meditative music and a calm, quiet atmosphere, this is a pleasant way to get a killer workout, while simultaneously meditating and relaxing. This is one of the rare classes that I think is appropriate for all levels of fitness.

Annie's pick

Writer Annie Brokaw also reviewed a handful of classes in 2012. Here is her favorite:

Brokaw says, "I was so surprised by how difficult it was, and I so enjoyed being in the water."

Water running is, well, running in the water. You wear a floatation belt and funky gloves (for more arm resistance) and then hit the deep end of the pool. The goal: create a running motion, using the water as resistance. Brokaw says this is more difficult than other kinds of water exercise, but what really struck her was the intention behind the movement itself.

"When you're running in the water you have more time to pay attention to the movement and make adjustments and corrections to your body than you do on dry land," she writes.

Liz's pick

Writer Liz Moskow also reviewed a handful of classes this year. Here's her favorite:

Stand Up Paddleboarding, with Tucker Whalen,with the Boulder Outdoor Center, at Boulder Reservoir.

Stand up paddleboarding, known as SUP, is an ab-busting core workout that ignites the legs, as well as the small muscles of the feet. It has a short learning curve, so you feel competent and confident right away. Even so, Moskow recommends taking the time to learn tips from an experienced instructor before hitting the lake.

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